A second set of security vehicles were in the car park, many more than his contingent. Its occupant walked over to Alexander’s vehicle, knocked on the window. Through the tinted glass Uncotto’s security officer could see who it was, and with a nod from Alexander opened the door. The gentlemen got into the car, and sat down next to Uncotto’s aide.
With a gentle southern drawl, ‘Good afternoon Mr President, I am Arthur Jarrett, Under Secretary for International Defence.’
Alexander extended his hand to meet his guest, ‘And to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?’
Jarrett firmly gripped his palm, shaking and squeezing it, ‘I thought I could ride and chat with you, informally?’
Jarrett glanced at the aide, who promptly exited the car, joining the security team in the front vehicle, and informing them of the change in passengers. They were already aware, and had discussed it with the Secretary’s personal security detail; always having some latitude built into their close protection assignments.
‘So as we are chatting, informally Mr Jarrett?’
‘Just two men from different nations, attempting to resolve a situation.’
‘And what situation would that be Mr Jarrett?’
‘The one where your country, or should I say, you, do not cooperate with development of your nation.’
Uncotto raised an eyebrow, surprised at the bluntness of Jarrett’s approach. The motorcade pulled off, the lead SUV belonged to the DSS took point, followed by another from the Secretary’s detail, one behind the limousine and finally a DSS team at the rear.
The journey to the United Nations building would only take a few minutes, and Jarrett wanted to get his point across as plainly as possible.
‘Mr President, I need you to allow us to develop your country, and for it to be done on terms that we control.’
Uncotto wanted to verbally attack Jarrett immediately, but retained his composure, ‘I see Mr Jarrett, what is the issue with us developing our own country, and deciding what is best for it?’
‘Mr President, we have sent peacekeeping troops into your country to ensure aid reaches its destination.’
‘And Mr Jarrett you have used that to send Special Forces in to deal with issues, without consulting anyone.’
‘If that happened I am sure that it was in the best interests of your country.’
‘Decided by you. Not anyone from Mabalia!’
Jarrett did not rise to the outburst, ‘I am sure that you can decide what is best, but our substantial experience in developing nations would greatly assist you.’
‘Experience, what countries have you assisted? Remind me.’
‘Historically we have helped in South Korea, Germany, Japan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Grenada, Panama, El Salvador, and the Philippines.’
‘Yes I can see, just to remind you, all those countries were involved in wars either with you or against you correct?’
‘That is not strictly true we were invited or felt compelled to assist them.’
‘And all those countries have had or still have permanent US military bases, with long leases.’
‘Now hold on Mr Uncotto; that is not true, many of those countries were too unstable to cope on their own.’
‘In whose opinion, an advisor or aide in Washington?’
‘No sir, we gather intelligence from many sources and act upon it.’
They turned south east on East 57th street crossing Lexington and heading for Park Avenue.
‘I am sure you are right, my point is that many of your politicians and decision makers only think ahead two or four years, to the next election. The military think further ahead, but are constrained by political influences. They see the folly of short-term gains, against long-term losses. My intention is to allow the long term development of my country past my time in office.’
‘So you want a dynasty is that it?’
‘No, I want my country to remain stable and have time to grow, past my presidency, past your president’s term.’
The vehicles turned right at 2nd Avenue crossing over the East 40’s towards East 45th Street, both men unaware of the valley created by the towering structures adjacent and overhead.
‘I require the infrastructure and my people to support it; not loot and destroy it just to eat, which has happened in Iraq.’
‘Don’t bring Iraq into the conversation Mr Uncotto.’
‘I am only showing it as an example, your own development department showed that a hospital that you renewed with power and water was non-functioning as the staff had blocked the drains, and looters had removed the wiring from the generators and sold it, wasting millions of your dollars.’
‘That is one isolated incident, you cannot…’
‘It is one of many, and I do not want it repeated in my country, so I will invest in my people to build it, to maintain it, with your help, but not with your dominance.’
‘So you are not willing to assist us in any way?’
‘I am willing to allow you, to assist us, but not dominate us.’
‘That is what I said?’
‘No, from what your people have said and done, I must allow you to control all aspects of our redevelopment, and you can select the companies, which I must pay for.’
‘That is a very simple interpretation of how it works.’
‘Yes but you must agree it is accurate?’
The traffic towards the next turn stopped the motorcade, the security team have heightened awareness and monitoring of their surroundings, a sitting target is too easy.
‘Mr President we have your interests at heart, and our concern in Washington is for the safe and stable development of your country.’
‘I am sure it is, but how well qualified are a collection of men in suits sitting in air conditioned offices in Washington, most of whom have never visited my country, or possibly never ventured outside the United States?’
Jarrett correctly chose not to respond to the last comment, as he knew it was far closer to the truth than Uncotto realised.
‘Look Mr President, we want to protect your country from any hostile influences, as we have in the past. Now I have been informed that one of your diplomats, a Mr Chui Enzi is possibly seeking to obtain a weapon of mass destruction, a solar weapon.’
Uncotto was surprised at the information and of Jarrett’s interpretation of it, ‘Are you saying that my Head of Internal security is plotting against you?’
‘I am saying that a representative of your country is seeking a weapon that could threaten us or our allies and that is our primary concern.’
‘I think you are mistaken, he is sourcing solar energy technology for me.’
‘That is not what our information is telling us.’
‘And your information has never been wrong before?’
‘We are right this time.’
‘What is your solution to this Mr Jarrett, will you let me handle the situation?’
‘Of course, we would never interfere in the affairs of a sovereign state, directly.’
‘I am pleased to hear that.’
‘However as a precaution to ensure your country’s on-going protection, we will be having the Abraham Lincoln Carrier group stationed in the area, conducting training exercises and make them aware of your countries situation.’
‘Are you threatening me with military action?’
Uncotto looked out his window and saw on the left, down East 46th Street, the wood and park area near the East River, he was almost at his destination.